Kochi: Private City Highlights Tour with Castle & Market

This is a fully customizable private tour, allowing the itinerary to be adapted to your interests and preferences. The following itinerary is an example of how your 4-hour tour can be arranged. Whether you are particularly interested in history, local food, culture, nature, or specific places in Kochi, the route and stops can be adjusted accordingly.  Begin your private tour with a visit to Kochi Castle, one of Japan’s surviving original castles from the Edo period. Explore the castle grounds, historical structures, main keep, and former palace area while learning about the history of Kochi and the former Tosa Domain.  Next, head to Hirome Market, a popular indoor food market located close to Kochi Castle. The market contains numerous food stalls, restaurants, and local vendors and is a fantastic place for experiencing Kochi’s local food culture. See and optionally purchase regional specialties, local seafood, snacks, and drinks.  Continue to Harimaya Bridge, a well-known landmark in central Kochi. Although relatively small, the bridge is closely connected to a famous local story and Kochi’s cultural identity. This stop also offers an opportunity to discover the surrounding downtown area and learn about local traditions.  The final destination in this sample itinerary is the Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden, located on Mt. Godaisan. The garden is dedicated to Tomitaro Makino, a botanist from Kochi who played an important role in the development of modern Japanese botany. Explore landscaped outdoor areas, seasonal vegetation, collections of Japanese plants, greenhouse areas, and exhibitions related to Makino and botanical research.  The itinerary is flexible and does not have to follow these specific stops. Before or during the tour, you can discuss your interests with your guide and create a personalized route within the available 4 hours.